Mother City Hikers
Hiking Trails
When booking a hike with us, we ask a few questions. One of those questions asks if you have any special interests (in anything at all, doesn’t need to be mountain related). This is important to us as we feel that linking you with a guide that is most suitable for you enhances your experience.
There Are Many Activities On Each Trail
Routes to the Cableway
01
India Venster
(To The Cableway)
This adventurous route takes its name from India Ravine which resembles the shape of India on a map when seen from the city, and Venster (meaning: window in Afrikaans) which is a natural window in the rocks offering views of Devil’s Peak. This hike includes some rock scrambling and exposed terrain and is not suitable for those afraid of heights or uncomfortable on exposed areas. The city is visible from all sections of this hike but one can often feel a million miles away from the hustle and bustle below. The last part of this hike you’ll round onto Fountain Ledge and then up the quiet Fountain Ravine on the backside of Table Mountain which offers spectacular views over the 12 Apostles and the Atlantic Ocean. You’ll make your way to the plateau part of Table Mountain where the Cableway is and descend down the Cableway, weather permitting.
02
Kasteelspoort
(To The Cableway)
This route starts by heading up the jeep track from the stunning 12 Apostles or Camps Bay side of Table Mountain. It connects to the historical Pipe Track and Kasteelspoort which is a steady climb up a beautiful ravine. Massive buttresses flanking both sides of the ravine make this a strikingly beautiful way to ascend. Halfway up is the perfect resting spot called ‘Breakfast Rock’ which is a great photo opportunity with views of Lions Head and the Atlantic Ocean below. Once you reach the top of Kasteelspoort you’ll make your way to view the remnants of the historical Old Cableway where we will share some insight into the past. Here there is also an opportunity for the brave to go out onto ‘Diving Board Rock’ for an incredible picture to show others back home. From the Old Cableway, you’ll hike up part of the Valley of the Red Gods & into the Valley of Isolation which has interesting rock formations creating a bowl-like valley. Both of these areas offer peace in nature. From there, the descent is into Echo Valley and up the backside of Table Mountain up 3 ladders. Here you’ll enjoy views overlooking your starting point down below and you’ll see how far you’ve come. You’ll make your way to the plateau part of Table Mountain where the Cableway is and descend down the Cableway, weather permitting. At the bottom we Uber back to our vehicle at the starting point, then get you back to your accommodation as soon as possible so you can enjoy the rest of your afternoon.
03
Platteklip Gorge
(To The Cableway)
This is the quickest (other than the Cableway) and most traveled path to get to the top of Table Mountain. You’ll start on the far Western front side of the base of Table Mountain and hike up for 25 minutes to a lookout point offering amazing views over Camps Bay, Lions Head, and the City of Cape Town below. Most other hiking companies do not include this section and this is not to be missed! After this resting point, you’ll walk flat along the contour path on the front side of Table Mountain for about 45 minutes to the actual start of Platteklip Gorge. This is also usually a quiet pathway with stunning views over the City of Cape Town. From the start of Platteklip, the route gets busy with people and follows a steep path up rocky steps with very little shade until the top section of the gorge is reached +/-1.5 hours later. This section is strenuous and even more so in the summertime heat. Starting early is highly recommended. Alternatively, an afternoon hike is a nice option in order to catch the sunset from the top of Table Mountain. You can expect sweeping views of the City of Cape Town below, Devil’s Peak and Table Bay in the distance. The last third of this section is really beautiful with high, rock walls surrounding you. It’s extra impressive in misty weather as it becomes quiet, mystical and magical. Once you reach the top there is time for photos and the descent is via the Cableway, weather permitting.
(can be shortened to 2-3 hours if there are time constraints)
04
Skeleton Gorge
(To The Cableway)
This hike begins on the Eastern side of Table Mountain in the beautiful Cecelia Forest. This is a magical and gentle start to the day slowly getting up to the contour path and hiking along to the actual start of Skeleton Gorge. You’ll ascend Skeleton Gorge through our rare, afromontane forest which offers some welcome shade from the African sun. This hike has 6 short ladders and a short section of boulders on route to scramble over (this is the fun part!). Eventually the path opens up offering expansive views of Cape Town’s Southern Suburbs and False Bay in the distance. At the top one finds the Hely-Hutchinson Reservoir which was completed in 1904 and was built to provide the City of Cape Town with fresh water. From this point it is a steady climb for 1.5 hours on the ‘back table’ to Maclear’s Beacon which is the highest point on Table Mountain at 1085 meters. The last hour is a relatively flat walk offering iconic views of the front side of Table Mountain and the City of Cape Town below. You’ll descend via the Cableway, weather permitting.
05
Diagonal Ravine
(To the Cableway or down Kasteelspoort)
For those keen on an alternative route up Table Mountain which avoids the crowds, this one starts from the 12 Apostles or Camps Bay side of the mountain and is an excellent option. This one is fun, adventurous and mostly shaded if starting in the morning. The late afternoon sun is strong but the reward for braving the heat is watching the beautiful sunset as you hike down the mountain.
Unfortunately there is no ‘easy’ way to the top of Table Mountain and this route is no different. The beginning section is where you’ll exert the most energy as you hike up a zig zagged pathway whilst gaining a good amount of elevation. There is some exposure to the edge and scrambling on this hike so those with a fear of heights and exposure should beware.
We love this route for the stop in a cave overhang (excellent photo op in the morning), and the amazing views you’ll get of the layered effect of the buttresses.
Maclears Beacon Loop
(To The Cableway)
A hike for those who don’t like any of the uphill or downhill parts of hiking, this one is an almost completely flat walk with excellent views and amazing photo opportunities. There is a +/-10m downhill and then uphill again on this route so it is not 100% flat but 90% of the trail is flat. This is a great route for those who are interested in hearing all the information about Cape Town and the fynbos while getting extraordinary views, but not having to do any hard work to get them. You’ll start by taking the cable car up and down Table Mountain. Once on top, you’ll be guided along while seeing amazing vistas of the backside of Table Mountain including the Hely-Hutchison Reservoir and the rest of the Cape Peninsula on a clear day. It takes about an hour to reach the highest point on Table Mountain, Maclears Beacon at 1085m. From here you’ll relax and take in the sights, then head around to the front side of the loop back to the Cableway. This side offers spectacular views of Cape Town below, Devils Peak, Lions Head, the West Coast and the Winelands.
One reason to choose this hike: You want the amazing views and photos but don’t want to do anything strenuous to get them.
06
Routes up or around Table Mountain that DO NOT go to the Cableway:
Tranquility Cracks
(Routes up or around Table Mountain)
For those keen on an alternative route up Table Mountain which avoids the crowds, this one starts from the 12 Apostles or Camps Bay side of the mountain and is an excellent option. This one is fun, adventurous and mostly shaded if starting in the morning. The late afternoon sun is strong but the reward for braving the heat is watching the beautiful sunset as you hike down the mountain.
Unfortunately there is no ‘easy’ way to the top of Table Mountain and this route is no different. The beginning section is where you’ll exert the most energy as you hike up a zig zagged pathway whilst gaining a good amount of elevation. There is some exposure to the edge and scrambling on this hike so those with a fear of heights and exposure should beware.
We love this route for the stop in a cave overhang (excellent photo op in the morning), and the amazing views you’ll get of the layered effect of the buttresses.
07
Up Woody Ravine, Down Kasteelspoort
(Does Not Go To The Cableway)
This route starts from the beautiful 12 Apostles or Atlantic Ocean side of Table Mountain. You’ll start with 45 minutes of easy walking and connect to the historical Pipe Track offering awesome views over Camps Bay below, Lions Head and Robben Island in the distance. Once you reach the trailhead you’ll head up a route called Woody Ravine, which is a steady climb up a beautiful ravine. Woody Ravine is exactly what its name states…you are hiking up under a canopy of rare, indigenous forest which is a great shade from the African sun during the summer months especially. About two thirds of the way to the top the trail opens up and you are above the treeline. This enables you to get great views of the Atlantic Ocean below and the huge, rock walls to both sides of the trail. There are wonderful photo opportunities here. Once you make it to the top of the 12 Apostles you’ll hike over to the Old Cableway area where you’ll get the chance to see remnants of the historical Old Cable Station dating back to the late 1800s. Here is a spectacular photo opportunity for the brave at ‘diving board rock’ to show your friends and family back home the amazing adventure you’ve been on. From the Old Cableway, you’ll hike down Kasteelspoort Ravine which is a 1.5 hour descent down a spectacular, open ravine overlooking the Atlantic Ocean below. In winter time there is a mountain stream that flows next to the trail and you can often hear the songs of the local frogs and birds. About half way down the ravine is ‘Breakfast Rock’ which is a nice resting point and another great photo opportunity. This path takes you back to the starting point of the hike.
08
Pipe Track to Slangolie Overhang
(Does Not Go To The Cableway)
If you want to experience the beauty of Table Mountain without any strenuous uphill or downhill then this hike is for you. The trail is easy going and offers great views of Camps Bay and the 12 Apostles. This path winds its way along the contour of the 12 Apostle buttresses where Cape Town’s first fresh water was piped from the reservoirs on top of Table Mountain to the City of Cape Town below. The hike takes you through some of our rare, indigenous forest and across a small stream to a beautiful cave overhang/lookout about a third of the way to the top of Table Mountain. This is one of the very best spots to relax and take in the views and sounds of nature before heading back. Fantastic photo opportunities abound.
09
Constantia Nek Circular
(Does Not Go To The Cableway)
This route starts on the backside of Table Mountain where you can either ascend the easy way up the jeep track or a more adventurous way up Constantia Corner with a few bits of rock scrambling (using your hands and feet to climb up). You can expect spectacular views over the Constantia Winelands, Hout Bay, part of the Cape Peninsula and the backside of Table Mountain. You’ll walk up to Eagles Nest first (which is amazing to catch at sunrise) and through a valley which is a peaceful, quiet spot offering unique rock formations. Keep hiking past ‘Camel Rock’ and on toward the DeVilliers Dam that was built on Table Mountain in the late 1800s/early 1900s. and back down a circular route to the jeep track and back to the starting point. This route you’ll see the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town including Constantia, Muizenberg, the Cape Flats, the Hottentots Hollands Mountain range in the distance and Seal Island on a clear day.
10
Cape Point
(Does Not Go To The Cableway)
Ancient remains found here show that this region has been used by humans for thousands of years. This area has a lot to offer including hiking, fynbos which is unique to this area, and you get a chance to see more animals here than anywhere else on the Cape Peninsula. On a successful animal viewing day you’ll see different antelope species, ostrich, baboons, and other small mammals, reptiles and bird species. There are a few routes to choose from here depending on the amount of time you’d like to hike.
11
Lions Head
(Does Not Go To The Cableway)
This is a favourite ‘value for time’ hike in Cape Town. Rising almost 700 meters above sea level, Lion’s Head offers 360º panoramic views of Cape Town’s City Bowl, Table Bay and the Atlantic Seaboard with its beautiful neighbourhoods of Clifton and Camps Bay and their turquoise blue waters below. On a clear day Robben Island can be seen in the distance. The trail may look intimidating at the start but it’s 100% do-able with our expert guidance. There are 2 sets of short ladders (bolted into the rock face) to climb while on the trail. We break the hike up into sections with plenty of time to stop and take in the spectacular scenery. This hike is best explored at sunrise or sunset.
12
Winelands Routes
13
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve (Great hiking for those staying in Stellenbosch)
The rugged Jonkershoek Mountains, which form part of the Boland Mountains, are ideal for hiking enthusiasts. The Eerste, Berg, Lourens and Riviersonderend rivers all start high in these mountains, although only the Eerste River actually flows through the Jonkershoek valley. The area is also rich in animal and plant life, with over 1100 plant species and a variety of small mammals, birds and reptiles. The reserve is a Unesco World Heritage site and is roughly 9800 hectares and presents itself into a bowl like valley with incredibly beautiful and dramatic peaks surrounding. There are two route options to choose from ranging in time hiking between 2-8 hours.
This scenic trail has a steep climb to a contour path just below the Banhoek peaks. This path leads to Bergriviernek, which has amazing views of Assegaaiboskloof where we will have lunch. After this point the trail traverses across unique terrain and eventually heads down Kurtrekker, past 2nd and 1st Waterfall, back to the starting point. The descent on this route is loose and steep so not for those with unsure footing or past or recent knee injuries. The route is absolutely beautiful with green, verdant fynbos all around, and stunning views of peaks near and far.
Trail distance:17km
Time spent hiking: 6-7 hours
This is an easy ramble along the Eerste River, past Eerste Waterval (1st Waterfall), followed by a steep climb along a gorge to the foot of Tweede Waterval (2nd Waterfall). This route is super beautiful without doing anything strenuous but being able to get out in nature and enjoy the surroundings. We end at 2nd Waterfall and enjoy a picnic there before returning the same way.
Trail distance: 6.4km
Time spent hiking: 2 hours plus time at the waterfall
Looking For A Great Hike?
We recommend this trail
Our Personal Favourite
We recommend this trail
14
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve (Great hiking for those staying in Franschoek)
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve (1759 hectares) was proclaimed in 1982. It forms part of the Boland Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site. The highest peaks within its boundaries are Perdekop (1575 m), DuToitskop (1418m) and Middagkrans (1029 m). During winter the mountain streams normally flow but during summer most are dry or almost dry except for some pools that get their water from perennial springs in the Table Mountain Sandstone. This reserve has a variety of plant and animal species and offers incredible views over the town of Franschoek and the surrounding towns from certain viewpoints. Otherwise the fynbos (local vegetation) and rock formations surrounding are incredible. There are three route options to choose from based on how much time you’d like to spend.
This is a hike for those looking for a bit of exercise and time in nature without having to do too much work to get these incredible views over the Franschoek Valley below. This one is a gentle, constant climb up the valley (only rising 360m in total elevation gain) with incredible views of the mountain walls to each side of you as you hike up. Once you reach the middle point (or end of the uphill) you can expect 360 degree views of the Wemmerschoek Valley and Dam below. Take in the views of this very special place while relaxing and enjoying time here. Once ready you will return the same way.
**Trail can be shortened to +/-2 hours if needed but in this case it does not end at the Wemmershoek viewpoint but rather offers more views over the town of Franschoek.
Trail distance: 6km
Time spent hiking: 3-4 hours
A circular route which starts out the same as Uitkyk but once at the Wemmershoek Lookout area you’ll head south up to the peak of Dutoitskop at 1418m in elevation. This route offers more time with those amazing views over the Wemmershoek Valley below. It’s a peaceful yet challenging hike to the top. Along the way you’ll notice evidence of animals and hopefully will catch sight of one of the many mammals that call this ‘home’.
Trail distance: 13km
Time spent hiking: +/-5 hours
The circular Perdekop Trail rises 850m from its starting point to peak at the halfway point of Perdekop, 1575m above sea level. Perdekop is the highest point in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve-a Usesco World Heritage site. On a clear day along this route you will be able to see Table Mountain in the distance and many little towns in between and all around as you are at one of the highest points in the Western Cape. This trail is a marathon. It is not too challenging in any one place but overall it takes quite a bit of stamina. There is a long, winding way down so those with knee or ankle issues please be warned. It’s best to start at sunrise.
Trail distance: 13km
Time spent hiking: 7-8 hours
Lions Head
One of many top hiking attractions that Cape Town has to offer.
Our Guides
All of our guides are hand picked and chosen due to first being excellent humans to be around, they have a wealth of knowledge and mountain skills and truly LOVE what they do. They have all fulfilled the requirements for a Skills Program in Tourism Guiding (Adventure Guiding/Mountaineering) with electives in Mountain Walking and Overnight on Trail in the Western Cape, as recognized by the Culture, Art, Tourism, Hospitality, and Sport Sector Education and Training Authority (CASSTHETA). Some are Wilderness First Aid Certified and all are First Aid Certified.
Our Passion
Publications such as Conde Nast Traveler and Forbes regularly list Cape Town as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. To Lauren, Cape Town isn’t ‘just’ beautiful – it’s one of the most spectacular places on Earth. We are passionate about sharing this piece of the world with others, and also understand the benefits being in nature can have on balancing the health of a person’s mind, body and spirit. It’s why we encourage people to get outside and enjoy the beauty that surrounds them. And why, on our days off, you can find us out on a trail, enjoying time in nature.
Frequently Asked Question
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam.
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts. Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast
